Jon Jones set for TWO-YEAR ban after B-sample comes back positive

JON Jones is staring a TWO-YEAR ban in the face following his failed drug test ahead of UFC 200.

Jones was due to face bitter rival Daniel Cormier in a hotly-anticipated title rematch in Las Vegas.

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Lengthy layoff: Jon Jones could be banned for two years after confirmation of his failed drug test

But the former undisputed king and pound-for-pound star was sensationally pulled from the July 9 main event after USADA notified the UFC and Jones of a 'potential anti-doping violation' stemming from an out-of-competition test back in June.

Accompanied by his PR representative Denise White and manager Malki Kawa, an emotional Jones held a hastily-arranged press conference to apologise for the failed test and to deny knowingly taking a performance-enhancing substance.

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Jones wipes away tears as he addresses the media at a press conference

Jones' team requested that his B-sample be tested, and news has come back confirming the B-sample also tested positive, with USADA rep Ryan Madden relaying the fact to ESPN today, saying: "The B sample that was requested has confirmed the findings of the A sample."

Neither USADA nor Jones have specified the offending substances, with the anti-doping agency's guidelines stating that the information would have be released by Jones.

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Jones was all set to face Daniel Cormier at UFC 200

Jones had told reporters that the thought of being labelled as a drugs cheat would be unthinkable for him, saying: "The whole thing sucks. Being labeled as someone who would cheat hurts more than anything else I've ever been through in my career."

Explaining the failed test, Jones told the press conference: "They found something in one of my samples. I don't even know how to pronounce it. I've been taking the same supplements the majority of my career.

Jones tested positive from an out-of-competition test taken in June

"I've been so outspoken about being against any type of performance enhancers. To this day, I'm extremely against performance enhancers."

But following the news of his equally-tainted B-sample, Jones looks set for a minimum suspension of TWO YEARS under the UFC / USADA Anti-Doping Policy.